THE FAINTING COUCH, a one-woman show . . . (with a butler)
Written and Performed by Katherine Humes
Directed by Maya Quetzali Gonzalez
Produced by Thompson Street Productions
Presented by the New York City Fringe Festival
April 6, 2026 - April 19, 2026
Fainting Couch: A One Woman Show… (with a butler) follows Lady K, an alias for the playwright, a well-to-do young woman in the late 19th century, struggling to find both a husband and a cure for her mystery illness. When she is struck by a debilitating episode of pain and hysteria following her presentation to society, she is sent to the seaside for her health, accompanied by her loyal butler. But the cure, the ocean, and the sickness itself, may not be entirely what they seem.
Victorian era fainting couches were designed to allow women to catch their breath because their corsets were simply too tight. If women were not constricted, much like our lead character, there would be nothing for them to recover from. Based on the lived experiences of a young queer woman coming of age in a disabled body. “Were it up to him, I have no doubt he would pull back my skirt to marvel at the broken truth of my body.”
Told as though we’re hearing the first person narrative of a novel, Lady K introduces us to her suitor, mother, doctor, and butler. In all instances, the butler doubles as all other characters speaking in unison with Lady K - the disapproving mother, the husband who tell her it would be better if she just accepted things as they are. Only the butler, Allie Poole, has their own voice. Having watched their mistress since her childhood, the butler has been the hand to help her back on feet throughout her life. It was a unique and engaging moment that varied from the narrative tone.
The creative team are all recent graduates of NYU TISCH. This foray into the fringe is quite a clever piece, but never reaches the heart of the matter. The tone of the narrator is soothing, and likely deliberately restrained. “Sometimes I think that if I screamed, it would mean absolutely nothing.” But I didn’t get the sense of the energy bubbling beneath the surface. Despite all the constraints, I’d love to see more of the volcano about to explode.
Fainting Couch is another wonderful example of the power of the Fringe. Budding artists are allowed the opportunity to burst onto the scene making themselves known. Their run may be short, but it’s only the beginning!
Click HERE for tickets.
Review by Nicole Jesson.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on April 8, 2026. All rights reserved.
